Want a stronger economy? Vote 'No' on retention

To the Editor:

Is the economy headed in the right direction?

Madison County's unemployment rate is 8.7 percent. However, if you add underemployment and the percentage of those who quit looking for work to Madison County's unemployment we have an under- and unemployment rate of 17.2 percent. Wonder why?

You might look no further than the Madison County Circuit Court. On September 10, the Belleville News Democrat reported a national survey of corporate attorneys and executives that ranked Madison County as sixth most unfair in the United States. Among the factors leading to Madison County's poor reputation is the number of asbestos law suits.

Interestingly, the number of asbestos cases went from in 325 in 2006 to 953 in 2011! This is an increase of 265%! Business is booming for the legal profession.

But does a law suit explosion hurt Madison County's economy? Business leaders say the court hurts our economy. The St Clair Madison County Record reported on Feb. 3, 2012 that a member of the business community, who remains unnamed for legal reasons, said, "I can only guess at how many businesses have chosen not to set up shop here because of the litigation climate." Does the court cost jobs?

Acton stated; "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Want to put people back to work? This November vote "No" for retention of Callis, Crowder, Hylla and Knight.

Philip W. Chapman
Highland